The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘Celebrities Paint for a Cause’ is Friday
TORRINGTON — Connecticut Academy for the Arts’ United Way fundraiser is set for Friday night, with a party and auction for paintings created by “celebrity artists from organizations in and around Torrington.
Guests will be able to vote for their favorite painting by a celebrity, said academy co-founder Teresa Graham-Sullivan, but their name won’t be visible. The celebrity whose artwork gets the most votes will receive $1,000 for his or her favorite charity.
“We saw our community really come together in a way we have never seen before,” Graham Sullivan said in an email. “In the spirit of giving, these very busy executives came together and gave something much more precious than their money — they gave their time, spirit and talent to paint for a cause and to give to the many less fortunate in our community. In the process I think each one discovered some talent in themselves to be proud of.”
Well-known leaders in the community were asked to participate in the painting effort, according to Owen Quinn, United Way of Northwest Connecticut’s executive director. The United Way partnered with CAFTA to raise money for the twonon-profit organizations.
The United Way supports a wide variety of outreach programs, including Back to School Clothes for Kids, Food for Your Neighbors, the Day of Caring and Girls Summit — Women’s Leadership Initiative. The art academy will use the donations to support its summer art camp scholarship program. They are hoping to raise $30,000.
On Tuesday, GrahamSullivan said about 36 paintings would be on display at Friday night’s auction. Among the celebrity artists whose work will be displayed are Quinn, state Rep. Michelle Cook, D-Torrington, Victoria Mazzarelli, artistic director of the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, and state Attorney General George Jepsen. Other participants are from NBC Connecticut.
After Friday night’s party, the exhibit in the Libby Building will be open to the public from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Viewers can vote for their favorites. “They can also try to match the artist’s name to the painting,” Graham-Sullivan said.
“I really believe this is the start of something big for Torrington and the whole Northwest region,” Graham-Sullivan said.
“Enjoy the photos. If you need any more info just let me know. We hope to really pack the place at 104 Main on Friday in case all the anchors show up for live broadcast.”
The event, which includes a preview party, art sale and wine tasting, will be held Friday at the Libby Building, 104 Main St., from 6 to 9 p.m. . Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online from the art academy or by calling 860-201-5706.